Ex-Bournemouth owner Mitchell dies aged 69

Eddie Mitchell owned Bournemouth for four years between 2009 and 2013

Former Bournemouth owner and chairman Eddie Mitchell has died at the age of 69.

The property developer was responsible for Eddie Howe's return to Bournemouth for a second spell as manager in 2012.

In a statement to BBC Sport, the Mitchell family said he "passed away peacefully at home on Saturday".

"A loving husband, father and grandfather, he was one of a kind and lived his life to the full," the family added.

"Gone too soon but his legacy will remain through what he's achieved in the world of property and Bournemouth football club."

In a post on X, Bournemouth said they were "saddened" to learn of Mitchell's passing.

Mitchell purchased the club as part of a consortium in 2009 when he became chairman, eventually selling in 2013 to Russia-born businessman Maxim Demin, who had bought a half share in 2011 after being introduced to the club by Mitchell.

However, Mitchell - who had owned non-league club Dorchester Town in the late 2000s before buying into the Cherries - was subsequently banned from attending matches at Bournemouth.

In 2012, Mitchell negotiated the deal to bring Howe back to manage Bournemouth, having led the club from 2008 to 2011 before leaving for Burnley.

Howe, now Newcastle United manager, guided the Cherries to the Premier League and kept them in the top flight for five seasons between 2015 and 2020.

• Our coverage of Bournemouth is bigger and better than ever before - here's everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment
• Everything Cherries - go straight to all the best content